Prospective Music Students

The Newberry College Department of Music offers a supportive, student-centered community that provides students with a comprehensive musical foundation. The music faculty and staff support students in developing their musicianship, creativity, critical thinking, leadership and personal growth through instruction, performance, scholarship and service. Our majors and concentrations allow students to tailor their degree programs to their unique career pursuits and personal interests.

Nationally accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM), an outstanding faculty of active performers and experienced educators ensure personalized, attentive instruction essential to developing one's musical talent to the fullest. Our graduates include professional performers, music industry business professionals, and choral and instrumental music educators who are leading successful music programs throughout the region. Newberry music alumni also have earned graduate degrees in prestigious programs throughout the United States.

This page is intended to serve as a "one-stop shop" for prospective students interested in pursuing music at Newberry College.

How to Apply as a Music Major

All high school seniors applying as a music major at Newberry College must complete the following steps:

• Complete the application for admission

• Send official high school transcripts

• Once your application is complete, schedule an audition

Music Major Auditions

In addition to completing an application for admission to the College, students seeking admission to the program as a music major must audition. Auditioning for ensures that you will be considered for all music scholarship opportunities. Auditions are held for woodwinds, brass, percussion, voice, strings, piano and guitar.

Register for an Audition

Once you have been admitted, an audition form will be emailed to you. You can also click here to complete the Music Audition Form. You will need to log in to your Wolf Den account to complete the form. Once we receive your audition registration form, more information concerning start times for auditions will be sent before the audition date. A warm-up space will be provided prior to your audition time.

For additional information, email Alyssa.Anstey@newberry.edu.

Music Scholarships

The Department of Music offers dedicated scholarships for music majors, ensemble participation scholarships for all students, regardless of major, and scholarships for students who auditioned into All-State or All-Region honors ensembles in high school.

Music Excellence Award

Students who audition to become a music major are eligible for the Music Excellence Award. This scholarship is renewable for each year the student is a music major and remains in good academic standing.

Ensemble Participation Scholarships

Students who participate in a large ensemble (wind ensemble, marching band, orchestra or choir) are eligible for participation scholarships that increase each year they are in the ensemble. These scholarships are open to all Newberry College students participating in a large ensemble. The Participation Scholarship is available to music majors participating in a large ensemble that is NOT required in their degree program. Students are eligible to receive one participation scholarship each semester. 

• 1st year  =  $1,000

• 2nd year  =  $1,500

• 3rd year  =  $2,000

• 4th year  =  $2,500

Music Achievement Scholarship

Students from any campus major who auditioned into All-State and All-Region ensembles during high school are eligible for the Newberry College Music Achievement Scholarship. To qualify, students must enroll in their corresponding ensemble each semester they are a student at Newberry. This award is not stackable with the Music Excellence Award nor with the Academic Scholarship awarded by Newberry College. Students may only receive one Music Achievement Scholarship per academic year.

• All-State Chorus, Band, Orchestra, or Jazz Band = $15,000/year

• All-Region Band or Orchestra = $14,000/year

Dr. Sally Cherrington-Beggs Memorial Scholarship

The Dr. Sally Cherrington Beggs Memorial Scholarship was established to honor the memory of Dr. Sally Cherrington-Beggs, who was a dedicated Newberry College music professor for 12 years. A talented professor, leader and performer, she was passionate about the integration of music into the worship experience. The Dr. Sally Cherrington-Beggs Memorial Scholarship is intended to honor her memory and to promote the cultivation of promising organists/musicians who are dedicated to using their talents to enrich the worship life of the church.

The Pay-It-Forward Scholarship in Music Education

This scholarship was established in 2021 to honor the professional legacy of Mrs. Frankie Denton Casey. The intention of this award is embedded in its name. The award will assist recipient(s) in finishing their remaining music education requirements and in entering the profession by paying forward their musical knowledge and inspiration through dedicated service and creativity.

Musical Ensembles

Newberry Chamber Orchestra
The Chamber Orchestra is a campus & community partnership, open to Newberry College students and members of the community. The orchestra performs music from the Baroque period to the 21st century, giving a concert each semester. Director: Dr. Patrick Casey.

Jazz Big Band
The Jazz Big Band plays concerts each semester and tours the region each spring. Held in late February or early March, the Newberry College Jazz Festival is one of the oldest events of its kind, and the band's performance is always the highlight of the day. The group has performed with Jazz legends including Delfayo Marsalis, Jeff Coffin, Charlton Singleton. Steve Wiest, and more. Participation is open to all students, regardless of major or skill level. Director: Dr. Jerry Gatch.

College Street Jazz Connection
The College Street Jazz Connection, also known as the Jazz Combo, is a small group that performs on-campus and at venues and regional festivals. The combo is an advanced ensemble with an emphasis on student improvisation. Membership available by audition, but open to all students, regardless of major. Director: Dr. Jerry Gatch.

Newberry College Singers
The Singers are the College's largest vocal ensemble, and it's also one of the oldest, having been founded in the 1930s. The choir tours annually and performs choral masterworks that range from the Middle Ages to the 21st century. Participation is open to all students, regardless of major or skill level. Director: Dr. Chris Sheppard.

Madrigals
The Madrigals are a small, elite vocal group that presents stunning performances choral chamber music from a variety of periods. This group presents several concerts each year and tours with the Newberry College Singers. Membership available by audition, but open to all students, regardless of major. Director: Dr. Chris Sheppard.

Wind Ensemble
The College's premier group for standard band and wind ensemble literature, the Wind Ensemble comprises all instrumental music majors and is open to all students, regardless of major. Director: Dr. Jerry Gatch.

Scarlet Spirit Marching Band
The Scarlet Spirit is a corps-style ensemble that performs at all home football games, pep rallies, and the City of Newberry's annual Veterans Day Parade. Newberry is the only Lutheran-affiliated college in the country with a marching band. Director: Mr. David Santiago.

Scar's Army Pep Band
A smaller group known for rocking the stands at basketball games, the pep band performs at home athletic events during spring semester. Director: Mr. David Santiago.

This list includes events geared toward prospective students. For the full calendar, including performances and all College events, click here.

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